Recent Waste and Recycling Changes

The Department of Public Works has exclusive jurisdiction over the collection and disposal of waste and recycling within the boundaries of the Metropolitan Government. The department is committed to ensuring all residents have convenient access to the disposal of waste and recycling whether through the department's or private hauler collection.

In August of 2010, the Metropolitan Council passed an updated Solid Waste Code. The Solid Waste Code hadn't seen significant changes since the formation of the Metropolitan Government in the early 1960's. The updated Solid Waste Code emphasizes methods to increase recycling, reduce waste and improve access to recycling services throughout the county. Residents and businesses will experience changes, over the coming years, in how waste and recycling are managed within the county. Those changes are summarized below. For more information, please call 615-880-1000.

Only Two Trash Carts Provided Without Extra Fees

July 1, 2012: Metro no longer issues or replaces more than 2 trash cart for each address. Residents and businesses that currently have more than 2 trash carts will be able to continue their same level of waste collection service, however, will be charged for the collection and disposal fee for waste in additional carts.

Public Works will provide customers additional recycling carts and monthly collection of recycling at no additional cost.

Private Haulers Offer Recycling

July 1, 2013: Waste haulers providing service to residents and businesses within Nashville and Davidson County will be required to offer a recycling option to their customers. Businesses, apartments and condos with trash dumpsters will have the option, with their waste hauler or other recycler, to have a recycling dumpster placed at their location. Residents that contract for trash collection privately will also be provided a recycling option by their hauler. Additional fees for recycling service may apply.

Important Notice Regarding Cart Security

In order to reduce possibility of stolen or lost carts, carts must be put away in a secure location after collection to avoid them being stolen.

Metro Code 10.20.110a specifies, "Containers may be placed for collection along public alleys, streets and sidewalks only between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on the scheduled collection day. At all other times, containers must be stored at a location at the rear or side of the premises or at a location approved by the Director so as to not be visible from a public street. "

Metro Code 10.20.110c In the event a container originally furnished by the department is lost, stolen or damaged beyond repair, the owner shall replace, at his/her sole cost. This code is effective July 1, 2013.

Cardboard Must Be Recycled

July 1, 2013: Cardboard will be banned from all waste collection within Davidson County. Residents will be able to place cardboard in curbside recycling containers or at recycling drop-off sites throughout the county. Businesses will be able to place cardboard in their recycling dumpsters or take to one of the recycling drop-off sites.

Electronic Waste Must Be Recycled

July 1, 2015: Electronic waste will be banned from all waste collection within Davidson County. Learn about electronic waste recycling options for residents and businesses.